Example: A centrifuge has a rotational speed of 11,000 rpm.
a. What is the centripetal acceleration of a molecule situated a distance of 6 cm from the axis of rotation?
b. How does the acceleration from part a compare with the acceleration due to gravity?
Known:
Unknown:
Draw a picture:
Convert units to standard form:
Solve for velocity (speed):
Solve for acceleration :
Compare to gravity: